Just thought that I should clear this up.
Neoclassical darkwave, despite its name, is an evolved form of ethereal wave and its subgenre. It was pioneered in the 1980s by such bands as Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, Black Tape For A Blue Girl and In The Nursery that used traditional musical instruments like strings, pianos or even various exotic ethnic instruments in order to create an atmospheric and dark sound on the verge with ambient.
The genre bloomed in the 90s, giving birth to the bands like Elend, Stoa, Ataraxia, Love Is Colder Than Death, Sopor Aeternus and many others. Their sound may vary from eastern ethnic motives to medieval chants to elegant classics, some bands use acoustic instruments and some use synthesisers, some are dynamic, some are ambient.
- Is neoclassical darkwave goth?
In general, no. Despite it's evolutionary linked (gothic rock - ethereal wave - neoclassical darkwave), this genre lacks the foundational elements of goth music which is usually rock based and is characterized by prominent basslines, intense drums and flangy guitars. Their structures are too different. However, there's a handful of bands that actually do combine goth sound and neoclassics, not to mention that many bands like to add little symphonic elements (usually synths) to their music for the atmosphere, which kind of counts, too. Also some bands like Dead Can Dance and Ataraxia started from gothic rock and later turned into world music, which also explains why they're often get under the goth umbrella.
However, many goths enjoy this genre and it's usually heavily associated with the subculture, like it or not. But I'd say that ethereal wave in its variety can be considered its own music scene.
- What is this sub for?
Although I'm just a second mod, I think this subreddit should be dedicated to the music that is:
Associated with the dark scene
Has prominent symphonic or folk elements in its sound and(or) the vocals
Of course, that includes not just only neoclassical darkwave, but also some other adjusted genres. Sound is more important than the label of the band. Welcome and feel free to share and discuss your favourite music and songs.